BBQ LIST

1. Setup & Prep

• Grill & Hot Plate:

  • Clean and test your grill/hot plate ahead of time.

  • Ensure propane or charcoal is stocked (if needed).

• Shade & Seating:

  • Set up umbrellas, pop-up canopies, or tarps for shade.

  • Arrange seating (chairs, picnic blankets) away from the grill.

• Decor:

  • String lights or lanterns for ambiance (if evening).

  • Use disposable tablecloths for easy cleanup.

2. Food & Drinks

Main Dishes (adjust quantities for 10 adults + kids):

• Burgers (beef, turkey, or plant-based patties) + buns.

• Hot dogs/veggie dogs + buns.

• Grilled chicken skewers (marinate ahead).

• Veggie skewers (zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms).

Sides:

• Potato salad, coleslaw, or pasta salad (pre-made).

• Corn on the cob (grill in foil with butter).

• Chips (variety pack for kids).

• Fresh veggies with dip (carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes).

Desserts:

• Watermelon slices (refreshing for heat).

• Cookies or brownies (easy to serve).

• Popsicles (kid-friendly).

Drinks:

• Cold beverages: Sodas, sparkling water, lemonade, iced tea.

• Hydration station: Pitchers of water with citrus/mint.

• Kid-friendly: Juice boxes, small water bottles.

• Ice: 4–5 bags (for drinks, coolers, and food chilling).

3. Materials & Supplies

• Serving Essentials:

  • Disposable plates, cups, utensils, napkins.

  • Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, BBQ sauce).

  • Serving trays, tongs, spatulas, and foil for keeping food warm.

• Cooling:

  • 2–3 large coolers (one for drinks, one for raw meat).

  • Ice packs for salads/desserts.

• Safety & Cleanup:

  • Trash bags + recycling bins.

  • Fire extinguisher (near the grill).

  • Hand sanitizer/wet wipes.

  • First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, etc.).

4. Safety & Comfort

• Heat Management:

  • Provide sunscreen and bug spray for guests.

  • Set up a fan or mister if possible.

  • Freeze damp washcloths for quick cool-downs.

• Childproofing:

  • Create a shaded play area with games (water balloons, bubbles, or a kiddie pool).

  • Keep grills/hot plates away from play zones.

  • Avoid small choking hazards (e.g., skewer sticks).

5. Timeline

Day Before:

• Shop for groceries, marinate meats, prep sides.

• Chill drinks and freeze ice packs.

Morning Of:

• Set up seating, shade, and decor.

• Pre-cut veggies/fruit and store in coolers.

1–2 Hours Before Guests Arrive:

• Start grilling non-perishables (veggies, skewers).

• Fill coolers with ice and drinks.

During the Event:

• Grill burgers/hot dogs last to serve hot.

• Assign someone to monitor kids near the grill.

After:

• Store leftovers promptly (discard food left out >2 hours).

• Soak grill for easier cleaning later.

Bonus Tips

• Ask guests about allergies/dietary needs in advance.

• Use eco-friendly disposables if possible.

• Freeze water bottles to use as ice packs (they’ll thaw into drinks).